Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F.

Step 2

Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper or foil and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, salt, and lemon zest together until creamy.

Step 4

Add flour and beat until crumbly.

Step 5

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and mix with hands until dough holds together. (Up to 1 additional tablespoon of lemon juice may be added.)

Step 6

Press dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes - just until set.

Step 7

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.

Step 8

Add eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest and flour.

Step 9

Beat until smooth.

Step 10

Pour over hot crust.

Step 11

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until firm and puffed.

Step 12

Let cool completely in refrigerator.

Step 13

Take out 1 hour before serving and cut into squares.